Article display package



Nov. 14, 1967 M. LINK ARTICLE DISPLAY PACKAGE 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Sept. 4, '1964 42 INVENTOR.

MART/N L/IVA/ ATTOENFY Nov. 14, 1967 M. LINK ARTICLE DISPLAY PACKAGE 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Sept. 4, 1964 RM Ma 0/ T L a N N 2 Wm m 5 mm. W E T Z wf fi m A w w I T 3 p 5F 9 4 Q O Q m 9 United States Patent 3,352,409 ARTICLE DISPLAY PACKAGE Martin Link, Wayne, N.J., assignor to Union Camp Corporation, a corporation of Virginia Filed Sept. 4, 1964, Ser. No. 394,632 3 Claims. (Cl. 206-4514) ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE from the edge of the blank to the Window to facilitate the removal of the container from the display stand.

This invention relates in general to an article display package, and more particularly to a foldable blank or card-type display package for a vial or packet type container or the like.

Plastic vials are presently used as containers for many products as for example, shampoos, hair tonics, bath oils, or the like. Heretofore, the potential market for this type of package has not been exhaustively explored because of difiiculties encountered in preparing relatively simple, easily shippable and damage proof packages for containing each vial or a predetermined group of vials as a separate unit.

Therefore, the primary object of this invention is to provide a package for carrying plastic vials which may be assembled with facility and is easy to ship while, nevertheless, presenting an extremely attractive display package for individual vials or a predetermined number of .vials in a group.

Another object is to provide a card-type display package for a container or vial, and which is made from a sheet blank material that can be readily formed and/or foldable in a manner to positively retain the container thereon in such manner as to be readily viewed while nevertheless protected from the consuming public.

Still another object is to provide an improved cardtype display package which is diflicult to pilfer.

A further object is to provide a display card or stand construction on which a displayed container is positively secured and viewable from either side.

An additional object is to provide a package for displaying a container or vial that is so constructed and arranged as to be either a self-standing, easel type package or one which can be readily hung or suspended from a suitable rack or the like.

Another object is to provide a novel display stand that is relatively simple in construction, relatively inexpensive to manufacture, and positive in operation.

The foregoing objects of this invention are attained by providing a stand or card for displaying a packet type container or vial and the like which comprises essentially a blank of readily foldable sheet material having a heat sealable coating thereon and formed with a cutout portion to define a window in the plane thereof. The blank is specifically adapted for displaying thereon a container having heat fusible flanged portions. Accordingly, the container is sized so that it can be readily disposed within the cutout portion of the blank or card with the flange portion thereof disposed in overlapping relationship to the "ice peripheral portions of the cutout. Means are provided for either firmly securing or removably connecting the flanges of the container to the display stand or card. In certain embodiments of the invention, the display stand is formed of a foldable sheet of material in a manner so as to render the stand self-supporting in the nature of an easel type package. In other forms, the display stand of this invention is constructed in a manner so that the container or article supported thereon can be readily dis played by hanging the same from a rack or the like.

In addition, the construction of the display package of this invention is such that it can be optionally displayed either as a self-supporting easel type package or as a hanger or suspended type package. In all forms of the invention, the card package or stand is constructed in such fashion that the container and/ or its contents is removable with minimum effort or difiiculty.

A feature of this invention resides in the provision of a stand or card for displaying a container which is formed of a blank of sheet material and which has formed in the plane thereof a window or cutout portion for receiving and supporting thereon a container whereby the same can be readily viewed from either side of the package.

Another feature of this invention resides in the provision of attaching the container to a card package by dielectric sealing or heat sealing the fusible flange portion of the container to the heat seal coating on the package.

Another feature resides in the provision of a display stand for a container in which the container is secured therein in a positive, yet readily removable fashion so that it can be removed therefrom with a minimum of effort and time.

Still another feature resides in the provision of a display stand for positively securing thereto an article of manufacture and which can be readily removed without substantially destroying or adversely affecting the appearance or utility of the package.

Other features andadvantages become more readily apparent when considered in view of the drawings and specifications in which:

FIG. 1 is a plan View of the expanded blank of sheet material from which a display package, in accordance with this invention, is formed.

FIG. 2 illustrates a side elevation view of the package formed of the folded blank of sheet material illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a front elevation view of the package of FIG. 2 and having portions thereof broken away.

FIG. 4 is a section view taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 illustrates a fragmentary sectional side view of the package of FIGS. 1 to 4, in which the same is illus- 1 trated in its partially broken form to illustrate the mannet in which the container is rendered readily removable therefrom.

FIG. 6 illustrates the expanded blank of a modified form of package.

FIG. 7 is a side elevation .VifiW of the display package made from the blank illustrated in FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a front elevation view of the package depicted in FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a sectional plan view taken along line 99 of FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is a fragmentary sectionalside view of the package of FIGS. 6 to 9 illustrated in its partially broken position so as to illustrate the manner in which the container is removably secured thereto.

FIG. 11 is an expanded blank of still another modified form of the invention.

FIG. 12 is a side elevation view of the stand formed of the blank shown in FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is a front elevation view of the display stand illustrated in FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 is a sectional plan view taken along line 14-14 of FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 illustrates an expanded view of the blank of still another modified form .of the invention.

FIG. 16 illustrates the blank of FIG. 15 in its folded operative position.

FIG. 17 is a front elevation view of the display stand of FIG. 16.

FIG. 18 is a sectional plan view taken along line 1818 of FIG. 17.

FIG. 19 illustrates a front view of still another modified form of the invention.

' FIG. 20 illustrates an end view of the display package of FIG. 19.

FIG. 21 is a sectional plan view taken along line 21-21 of FIG. 19.

FIG. 22 is a side elevation view of the package disclosed in FIG. 19 illustrated in an optional position where the same may be utilized as a self-supporting, easel type display package.

FIG. 23 illustrates an expanded view of still another modified blank construction.

FIG. 24 illustrates a side elevation view of the blank construction of FIG. 23 folded into its operative position.

FIG. 25 is a front elevation view of the display package of FIG. 24.

FIG. 26 is a sectional plan view taken along line 2626 of FIG. 25.

FIG. 27 is a plan view of a blank construction in still another form of the invention.

FIG. 28 is a front elevation view of the blank disclosed in FIG. 27 illustrating how a plurality of containers may be displayed thereon.

Referring to the drawings, the vial or packet container 40 illustrated in conjunction with each embodiment of the invention is formed of a pair of heat fusible plastic sheets 40A, 4013 which are sealed together about their peripheral portions by the application of heat and pressure so as to define a pouch or pocket 49C therebetween.

As shown for exemplary purposes the container 40 is substantially rectangular and is provided with a neck portion 41 forming a nozzle from which the fluid contents are dispensable. The body portion of the container has a laterally extending flange 42 around its periphery for purposes hereinafter set forth. The neck portion is provided with a serrated tear line 43 as shown in FIG. 8 to facilitate the removal of the tip of the nozzle for the dispensing of the fluid contents.

In accordance with this invention the vial or packet 40 is disposed in a package formed from blank sheet material folded about predetermined fold lines. The material of the package may comprise either cardboard, paperboard or any other suitable foldable material which is preferably provided with a heat sealing coating or film.

In the embodiment of the invention shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, the display package is made from a substantially elongate or rectangular blank 46 of foldable material which is formed with a plurality of transversely spaced fold lines located intermediate the ends of the blank to define a series of panel sections connected in end to end relationship. Accordingly, the blank 46 includes a front panel 46A and a base panel 46B hingedly connected thereto about fold line F1. A back panel 47 is in turn connected to the base panel 46B about fold line F2 which is paralled to fold line F1. In the illustrated embodiment, the back panel 47 is divided by a fold line F3 to provide a lower rear portion 47A and an upper rear portion 47B. As shown, each of the front and back panels 46A, 47 have aligned rectangular cutout portions 48. A window is thereby formed opening to the front and rear of the folded blank.

As shown in FIG. 2, the bottom panel 46B is folded at right angles to the front panel 46A about fold line F1 and the back panel portion 47A is folded angularly thereto about fold line F2. The upper panel portion 47B being folded about fold line F3 abuts the front panel 46A as shown. Suitable adhesive means secure the upper portions of the front and rear panels to each other. As aforesaid, the container or vial 40 containing the fluid is formed with laterally extending flange portions 42, which circumscribe the packet or pouch portions thereof. In accordance with the present invention the container 40 is positively secured to the folded blank 46. This is accomplished by disposing the flange portions 42 along the opposite sides of the packet between the front panel 46A and the rear panel 47B. The package of the present invention is so constructed that the peripheral portions of the front and rear panels immediately adjacent the apertures 48 are not secured together. The front panel 46A and the rear panel 47B are secured together at a point inwardly disposed from the aperture 48 to thereby provide a groove 49 which slidably receives the flanged portions 42 of the container 40. The container 40 is thereby interposed and held between the panels with its pouch and neck portion located within the window 48 0f the blank.

An opening 50 may be provided in the completed package so that it may be used as a self-supporting easeltype package whose base comprises the panel 46B or suspended by means passing through the opening 50. In order to facilitate the removal of the container 40 from the package small die-cuts 51 extend at right angles from the upper portion of the panels adjacent the aperture 48 and in the vicinity of the shoulder portions of the container. The blank is scored along the line 52 from a point extending from the die-cut 51 to the outer edge of the blank. As shown in FIG. 5, removal of the container 40 from the display stand of FIGS. 1 to 5 may be accomplished with minimum effort and by folding or bending the upper portions of the front and rear panel along the die-cut and scored lines 51, 52 to expose the upper ends of the grooves 49. The container or vial 40 can thereupon be easily removed by sliding it out from the package with the flanges 42 of the container 40 passing through the die-cut portions 51 in the direction of the arrow 53 of FIG. 5.

FIGS. 6 through 10 illustrate a modified form of the invention in which the package 55 comprises a rectangular blank 56 of sheet material which is folded at its midpoint about a fold line F4 to define a front panel 56A and a rear panel 56B disposed in back-to-back relationship as shown in FIG. 7. Each of the front and back panels 56A, 56B are provided with apertured portions 57 which are adapted to align in the folded position of the blank. The marginal portions adjacent the aperture 57 are not secured together whereby grooves or raceways 58 are provided to engage the flanges 42 of the container.

The front and rear panels 56A, 56B are provided with small die-cuts 59 and score lines 60 laterally extending to the outer edges of the blank.

As shown in FIG. 8, the container 40 is disposed between the front and rear panels of the display package 55 so that it is entirely located within the apertured portion 57. To effect removal of the packet 40 from its contained position the upper portion 61 of the front and rear panels are folded substantially with respect to the lower portion about the die-cut 59 and scored line 60 as illustrated in FIG. 10. By applying a force in the direction of the arrow 62 indicated in FIG. 10', the container 40 may be readily slid along the grooves 58 and removed. This form of the package is not self-sustaining but is provided for suspending the package from a display rack or tree.

FIGS. 11 through 14 illustrate another modification of the present invention. In this form the display package 65 comprises a substantially rectangular sheet material 66 having a front panel 67 and a back panel 68 hingedly connected along fold line F5. Both the front and back panels 67 and 68 are adapted to be further folded along fold lines F6 and F7. A base panel 69 is connected to the front panel 67 along fold line F8 and a locking flap 70 is hingedly secured to the base panel 69 along fold line F9. A tab 71 is foldable along fold line F10 to the free end of the back panel 68 and is provided with a slot 72. To assemble the package shown in FIG. 11 the front and rear panels 67, 68 are reversely folded about fold line F5. The lower portions of the front and rear panels are then spread slightly apart along fold lines F6 and F7 to locate the base panel 69 between the lower extremities of the front and rear panels. The end tab 72 is then folded relative to the rear panel 68 in such fashion as to overlie the base portion 69 of the blank. The flap 70, which is connected along fold line P9 of the base 69, is then folded so as to be interposed within the slot 72 to thereby maintain the blank in the folded position illustrated in FIG. 12.

The front panel is provided with a rectangularly shaped aperture 73 to accommodate a container 40. As shown in FIGS. 12 to 14 the container 40 is secured to the package by fastening the flange portions 42 thereof to the rear surface of the front panel 67 adjacent the marginal portions of the cutout 73. Thus, the container 40 is disposed wholly within the aperture 73 for effective display.

FIGS. through 18 illustrate still another embodiment of the present invention. In this form the plank 76 is substantially rectangular in shape and has an aperture 77 which is adapted to frame the container 40. A base portion 78 is hingelly connected to the front panel 79 about fold line F11. Adjacent one end of the aperture 77, a transversely extending fold line F12 is provided, about which the rear panel '80 portion of the display packet is reversely folded relative to the front panel 79. The back panel 80 is folded about fold line F12 located adjacent the shoulder of the container 40. The rear panel 80 is provided with an end tab 81 which is foldable about fold line F13. A slot 82 receives a locking tab 83 connected to the base panel 78 along fold line F14.

To assemble the package to the form shown in FIG. 16, the rear panel 80 is folded along fold line F12 to define an inverted V-shaped or conical structure. The base panel 78 is then folded to become the base of the display stand. The lock tab 83 is then folded and inserted into the slot 82 of the end tab 81 which in turn has been folded to overlie the base panel 78. The tab '83 and slot 82 connected thereby sustain the reversely folded blank 76 in its self-sustaining position.

The container 40 is secured to the front panel by alfixing the flanges thereof to the marginal edge por tions of the cutout 77. Any suitable means for securing the flanges of the container to the rear surface of the front panel may be utilized.

FIGS. 19 through 22 illustrate still another form of the present invention. Here, the display package 85 comprises a rectangularly shaped card 86 which is provided with an aperture 87. The flanges 42 of the container 40 are secured to the peripheral margin of the aperture or window 87 so that the container 40 is framed thereby. The card 86 may be provided with a transversely extending fold line F15 intermediate the ends thereof whereby the upper portion 86A may be folded relative to the lower portion 86B thereof so as to provide a support for maintaining the display packet in vertical upright position as shown in FIG. 22. An aperture 88 is provided adjacent the upper end of the card 86 to provide a means whereby the card can be displayed by hanging the same from any suitable display rack.

FIGS. 23 through 26 are of another form of the present invention. The display package 90 is formed of a rectangular sheet of blank material 91 folded about a fold line F16 so as to provide front and rear panels 92 and 93. Each of the panels 92, 93 is provided with an aperture 94 which in the folded position of the blank align to form a window. The flanges 42 of the container 40 are secured between the folded panels 92. 93. Each of the respective front and rear panels 92, 93 may be provided with fold lines F17, F18 so that the upper portion of the blank may be folded at an angle with respect to a lower portion thereof to make the package selfsupporting. An aperture 95 for engaging an arm of a display rack is also provided.

FIGS. 28 and 27 illustrate still another form of this invention. In this form, a plurality of containers 40 of the type hereinbefore described is provided in adjacent relationship. The display package 100, carrying several containers 40, comprises a flat sheet 101 of substantially rectangular material which is provided with central apertures to define a window 102. The size of the opening is predetermined by the number of containers to be displayed therein. In the illustrated embodiment the window 102 accommodates three containers disposed in side-byside relationship with the flanges 42 of adjacent containers overlapping each other. Accordingly, the card 101 is provided with a pair of spaced scored lines 103, 104 disposed intermediate the ends of the blank. The scored lines extend above and below the window 102, and are located between the overlapping portions of adjacent containers as shown in FIG. 28. The respective containers may be secured to the card by heat sealing although, of course, the flange and groove arrangement hereinbefore described may be utilized. To facilitate removal of the individual containers, the flanges of adjacent containers may be perforated along lines extending from the score lines 103, 104. The container can therefore be readily individually removed from the package.

In addition, a transversely extending fold line F19 may be provided so that the upper end of the blank may be folded relative to the lower end of the blank to make the package self-sustaining. An aperture may be provided adjacent the upper end of the card to hang the card for display.

From the foregoing it will be readily apparent that each of the display stand constructions illustrated and described are relatively simple in construction and each can be economically fabricated and assembled. The containers and their contents may be readily viewed through the cutout portion or Window. The packages described can be utilized either as self-standing displays or they can be suspendably displayed from a suitable rack or display stand. Most of the described packages permit the containers to be readily removed without materially destroying the display package. Each card of the described packages is provided with a transverse fold line aligned with the neck portion of the vial or container, whereby the card can be bent along the score line either to remove such vial from the card or to permit access for removal of the tear-off top of the vial to dispense liquid without removal of the vial from the card. Further, the card package may be used for advertising copy.

It'will also be understood that the packages may be readily shipped in knockdown fashion and are easy to assemble in final form at the point of display which is an obviously distinct advantage in the current market place.

While the invention has been described in great detail and many embodiments thereof are illustrated, it is to be understood that only examples of the invention are set forth and that other variations and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the appended claims.

Having described my invention, what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. An article of manufacture comprising (a) a card type package formed of blank foldable material including (b) afront panel,

(c) a base panel hingedly connected along one edge thereof to one end of said front panel about a fold line,

(d) a lower rear panel connected along a transverse fold line to the other edge of said base panel,

line to said lower rear panel,

' (f) said blank being folded about its respective fold lines so that the front and upper rear panels thereof are disposed in back to back relationship with the base panel angularly folded relative its connected front panel and lower rear panel to define a supporting base for said folded blank,

(g) said front and upper rear portions having complementary cut out portions to define a window therebetween,

(h) means for securing said front and upper rear portions in back to back relationship to define a slideway about the periphery of said window,

(i) a container for containing a fluid substance, said container having laterally extending flange portions in the slideways at the sides of said window,

(j) said container being sized so as to be wholly disposed within the perimeter of said window with its opposed portions of the flanges slidably received within the slideway defined between said contiguous panels,

(k) and means for opening and closing said slideways to permit or prevent the removal of the container therefrom,

(I) said latter means including coincidental fold lines disposed intermediate the ends of said contiguous panels to extend transversely thereof adjacent the upper end of said window whereby folding said contiguous panels about said coincidental fold line opens and closes the slideway accordingly to permit the sliding of said container in and out of said slideway.

2. An article of manufacture comprising (a) a display stand formed of a single sheet of blank material having a cutout portion defining a window formed in the plane thereof,

(b) said blank having a transversely extending fold line defining a front panel and a rear panel, said front and rear panel being reversely folded about said fold line,

() said front and rear panel having a second folding line intersecting said cutout portion adjacent one end thereof in the folded position of said blank,

(d) a base portion formed at the free end of one of said panels along a fold line,

(e) and an end tab formed along a free end of the other of said panels, (f) said base portion and end tab being folded relative to their respective panels in the folded position to define a support for said stand,

(g) and means for interlocking said blank in the folded position thereof,

(h) said interlocking means including a complementary lock tab and cooperating slot formed on the end of said base portion and on said end tab respectively,

(i) and a container having a body portion and a reduced neck portion for containing a fluid to be displayed on said stand,

(j) said container including laterally extending flange portions adapted to overlie the peripheral portions of said window,

fold line at the (k) and means for securing theflanges of said con tainer to the back side of said front panel so that the same is rendered readily visible through said window, and said container being wholly disposed within the window of said stand,

(1) said second folding line enabling the folding of the blank to facilitate moving the mouth of the container into position for opening the container to empty its fluid contents.

3. An article of manufacture comprising:

(a) a display stand formed of a single sheet of blank material having a cutout portion defining a window formed in the plane thereof;

(b) said blank being provided with score lines extending from the outer edge of the blank to the window adjacent the top thereof defining a front panel which includes the window below the score lines and a rear panel, said front and rear panels being reversely folded about said score lines;

(o) a base portion formed at the free end of one of said panels along a fold line;

(d) and an end tab formed along a fold line at the free end of the other of said panels;

(e) said base portion and end tab being folded relative to their respective panels in the folded position to define a support for said stand;

(f) and means for interlocking said blank in the folded position thereof;

(g) said interlocking means including a complementary lock tab and cooperating slot formed on the end of said base portion and on said end tab respectively;

(h) and a container having a body portion and a reduced neck portion for containing a fluid to be displayed on said stand;

(i) said container including laterally extending flange portions adapted to overlie the peripheral portion of said window; and,

(j) means for securing the flanges of said container to the back side of said front panels so that the same is rendered readily visible through said window, with the neck portion extending above the score lines.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,597,227 5/1952 Colliton 20678 X 2,796,985 6/ 1957 Gorton 20678 2,874,836 2/ 1959 Wertepny 20678 3,002,722 10/ 1961 Cote.

3,127,010 3/1964 Capezzuto 20678 3,174,621 3/1965 Watson 206-78 3,179,246 4/1965 Rosenburg 20678 3,184,121 5/1965 Volckening 20656 3,192,681 7/ 1965 Greenbaum 20678 3,246,747 4/ 1966 Blish 20678 FOREIGN PATENTS 1,326,532 4/ 1963 France.

MARTHA L. RICE, Primary Examiner.

LOUIS G. MANCENE, Examiner. 

1. AN ARTICLE OF MANUFACTURE COMPRISING (A) A CARD TYPE PACKAGE FORMED OF BLANK FOLDABLE MATERIAL INCLUDING (B) A FRONT PANEL, (C) A BASE PANEL HINGEDLY CONNECTED ALONG ONE EDGE THEREOF TO ONE END OF SAID FRONT PANEL ABOUT A FOLD LINE, (D) A LOWER REAR PANEL CONNECTED ALONG A TRANSVERSE FOLD LINE TO THE OTHER EDGE OF SAID BASE PANEL, (E) AND AN UPPER REAR PANEL CONNECTED ALONG A FOLD LINE TO SAID LOWER REAR PANEL, (F) SAID BLANK BEING FOLDED ABOUT ITS RESPECTIVE FOLD LINES SO THAT THE FRONT AND UPPER REAR PANELS THEREOF ARE DISPOSED IN BACK TO BACK RELATIONSHIP WITH THE BASE PANEL ANGULARLY FOLDED RELATIVE ITS CONNECTED FRONT PANEL AND LOWER REAR PANEL TO DEFINE A SUPPORTING BASE FOR SAID FOLDED BLANK, (G) SAID FRONT AND UPPER REAR PORTIONS HAVING COMPLEMENTARY CUT OUT PORTIONS TO DEFINE A WINDOW THEREBETWEEN, (H) MEANS FOR SECURING SAID FRONT AND UPPER REAR PORTIONS IN BACK TO BACK RELATIONSHIP TO DEFINE A SLIDEWAY ABOUT THE PERIPHERY OF SAID WINDOW (I) A CONTAINER FOR CONTAINING A FLUID SUBSTANCE, SAID CONTAINER HAVING LATERALLY EXTENDING FLANGE PORTIONS IN THE SLIDEWAYS AT THE SIDES OF SAID WINDOW, (J) SAID CONTAINER BEING SIZED SO AS TO BE WHOLLY DISPOSED WITHIN THE PERIMETER OF SAID WINDOW WITH ITS OPPOSED PORTIONS OF THE FLANGES SLIDABLY RECEIVED WITHIN THE SLIDEWAY DEFINED BETWEEN SAID CONTIGUOUS PANELS, (K) AND MEANS FOR OPENING AND CLOSING SAID SLIDEWAYS TO PERMIT OR PREVENT THE REMOVAL OF THE CONTAINER THEREFROM, (1) SAID LATTER MEANS INCLUDING COINCIDENTAL FOLD LINES DISPOSED INTERMEDIATE THE ENDS OF SAID CONTIGUOUS PANELS TO EXTEND TRANSVERSELY THEREOF ADJACENT THE UPPER END OF SAID WINDOW WHEREBY FOLDING SAID CONTIGUOUS PANELS ABOUT SAID COINCIDENTAL FOLD LINE OPENS AND CLOSES THE SLIDEWAY ACCORDINGLY TO PERMIT THE SLIDING OF SAID CONTAINER IN AND OUT OF SAID SLIDEWAY. 